Roots 3-8(-12)-branched at least 1 cm from stem attachment, (4-)10-30(-40) cm, fibrous, twisted, dry, thin threadlike segments apparent nearly entire length; buds minute. Stems 1(-3) per root, unbranched, elongation delayed 4-10 weeks after leaf initiation; base often narrowed, firmly attached to root; proximal internodes much shorter than those of midstem. Leaves basal and cauline, largest near base of stem, others often abruptly smaller on distal stem; basal petioles spreading, cauline petioles ascending; basal leaves more rounded and with fewer, wider lobes than cauline leaves. Inflorescences usually 4-8 flowers per 5 cm, ± open, cylindric to narrowly pyramidal, seldom less than 4 times longer than wide, spurs rarely intersecting rachis; pedicel spreading to ascending, usually less than 2 cm, rachis to midpedicel angle more than 30°; bracts markedly smaller, fewer lobed than leaves. Fruits erect. Seeds rectangular to crescent-shaped, 1.3-3.3 × 1.1-2.3 mm, not ringed on proximal end, ± wing-margined; seed coats usually lacking wavy ridges (present only in D. purpusii), cells brick-shaped (less than 3 times longer than wide), cell margins undulate or straight.

Distribution

North America, possibly others in Asia.

Discussion

Species 10+ (10 in the flora).

Selected References

None.

Lower Taxa

Delphinium andersonii, Delphinium gypsophilum, Delphinium lineapetalum, Delphinium parishii, Delphinium parryi, Delphinium purpusii, Delphinium recurvatum, Delphinium scaposum, Delphinium umbraculorum, Delphinium xantholeucum

Key

1	Yellowish gland-based hairs present (at least apically) on pedicel; sepals reflexed.	> 2
1	Yellowish gland-based hairs usually absent from pedicel; sepals spreading or reflexed.	> 4
2	Sepals light blue to lavender.	Delphinium lineapetalum
2	Sepals rose to pinkish or yellow	> 3
3	Sepals magenta to rose.	Delphinium purpusii
3	Sepals yellow.	Delphinium xantholeucum
4	Cells of seed coat with undulate margins visible at 10×; mature fruits usually 3 or fewer times longer than wide.	> 5
4	Cells of seed coat with smooth margins visible at 10× (roughened in D.parryi); mature fruits usually more than 3 times longer than wide.	> 7
5	Sepals rarely reflexed; stems more than (50-)60 cm.	Delphinium gypsophilum
5	Sepals (especially laterals) usually reflexed; stems less than 60(-100) cm.	> 6
6	Lower petals white (contrasted with blue sepals).	Delphinium recurvatum
6	Lower petals blue or white to pink (same color as sepals).	Delphinium parishii
7	Sepals strongly reflexed.	Delphinium lineapetalum
7	Sepals spreading or slightly reflexed, not strongly reflexed.	> 8
8	Green leaves usually absent on proximal 1/5 of stem at anthesis; if present, then proximal portion of stem and/or petioles covered with short, arched hairs.	> 9
8	Green leaves usually present on proximal 1/5 of stem at anthesis; proximal portion of stem and petioles glabrous to nearly glabrous (straight hairs).	> 10
9	Lobes of proximal leaves less than 5 mm wide, or plants from less than 10km inland or less than 400m elevation.	Delphinium parryi
9	Lobes of proximal leaves 5 mm or more wide, and plants from more than 10km inland and greater than 400m elevation.	> 8
10	Leaves almost entirely on proximal 1/5 of stem at anthesis.	Delphinium scaposum
10	Leaves primarily cauline at anthesis.	> 11
11	Lobes of proximal leaves less than 4 mm wide; lateral sepals spreading to reflexed.	Delphinium andersonii
11	Lobes of proximal leaves at least 4 mm wide; lateral sepals spreading.	Delphinium umbraculorum